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Induction and expression of Shiga Toxins in STEC and EHEC strains for their diagnosis and as parameter for risk assessment
Project
Project code: BfR-BIOS-08-1322-312
Contract period: 01.04.2008
- 31.12.2009
Purpose of research: Applied research
The ability of STEC and EHEC to produce sufficient quantities of Shiga toxin (Stx) has a significant effect on the virulence of this pathogen for humans. Various studies have shown that the amount of Shiga toxin differs considerably between STEC/EHEC strains. Not only the Stx-type, but also the quantity of Stx decides, whether STEC-infections are accompanied with severe disease as HUS. Many STEC / EHEC strains produce no or little amount of Stx without chemical or physical induction. Therefore, bacteria are grown in the presence of the mutagenic/carcinogenic substance mitomycin C in high concentration (50µg/liter) for diagnosis of STEC / EHEC in routine laboratories. On the other hand, it was shown that other, less toxic substances, such as certain antibiotics, can induce Stx production in the bacteria. In order to protect the laboratory staff and the environment, it is highly desirable to replace the mutagenic agent mitomycin C with non-toxic substances for routine diagnosis of STEC/EHEC.For the risk assessment of STEC, it is necessary to identify those substances that promote Stx production and to examine if humans are exposed to them by food or environmental contact. Not least, STEC strains shall be investigated quantitatively for Stx production for a better definition of human pathogenic STEC strains and types.
Section overview
Subjects
- Food microbiology
- Toxicology
